Language Policy

3/13/1

Snr Supt K Calteaux

(012) 393-5421
082 778 9627

2003-09-18

A. ALL DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONERS

B. ALL PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONERS

C. All Heads
HEAD OFFICE

D. All Commanders
SAPS COLLEGES AND TRAINING CENTRES

E. All Section Heads
HEAD OFFICE

F. ALL DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONERS

G. The Chief of Staff
MINISTRY FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

H. The Secretary
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY

LANGUAGE POLICY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

1. A. - E. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is developing a new language policy that will be based on the principle of effective communication within a framework of multilingualism, language equity and language rights.
2. Cabinet's approval of a National Language Policy Framework (NLPF) for South Africa in February 2003 enables the SAPS to finalise its language policy.
3. This process is already at an advanced stage at national level. A Language Policy Task Team, representative of all divisions and components at Head Office, has discussed a draft language policy and has considered the implications of the draft proposals for the various environments at Head Office level. This has led to a feedback report on the draft language policy being drawn up.
4. Deliberations on the input from each division and component have taken place. These will result in a draft national instruction on a new language policy for the SAPS.
5. In view of the diverse nature of language use in the country, and by implication in the SAPS, the draft language policy of Head Office will have to be tailored to meet the needs of each province separately. In order to do this, the draft language policy will be consulted on by means of workshops held at provincial, area and station level throughout the country. It is envisaged that these will take place between November 2003 and February 2004.
6. In order to facilitate this process, two things are required B

1. All interim arrangements with regard to language policy and language use that deviate from Standing Order (General) 201 must be revoked immediately. This includes the use of English as the only medium of communication in instances where such an approach is not effective. SO(G) 201, which applies at present, must be complied with until the new language policy comes into operation. Problems in complying with SO(G) 201 and any deviations from SO(G) 201 must be reported in writing to the SAPS Language Planner, Snr Supt (Dr) Calteaux at calteauxk@saps.org.za, or facsimile (012) 393-5002/5425. She will help clarify the present language policy and provide assistance in finding workable solutions to language challenges.

2. Language policy facilitators must be appointed at each provincial office, area office and station to assist with the consultation process by representing each of these offices and/or stations. It is suggested that, where possible, these members be drawn from the Communication structures at these levels. It must be ensured (as far as possible) that these facilitators are persons with an interest or background in language, communication and transformation.

7. The names and contact details of the members who will act as language policy facilitators must be forwarded to Snr Supt Calteaux before 31 October 2003. A pro forma return is attached to facilitate this process.
8. Please ensure that this circular is brought to the urgent attention of all members of the SAPS.
9. More information on the NLPF and copies of the draft new language policy of the SAPS can be obtained from Snr Supt Calteaux at the contact details above or at (012) 393 5421 or 082 778 9627.

F. B H. For your information.

NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE

SAPS LANGUAGE POLICY TASK TEAM - PROVINCIAL, AREA AND STATION LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES

SAPD TAALBELEIDSTAAKSPAN B PROVINSIALE-, AREA-, EN STASIEVLAK VERTEENWOORDIGERS

Fax completed return to / Faks voltooide vorm aan B (012) 393-5002/5425

For attention / vir aandag -

Snr Supt (Dr) K Calteaux

Sub-section Head: Language Planning / Subseksiehoof: Taalbeplanning

Communication and Liaison Services: Head Office / Kommunikasie- en skakeldienste: Hoofkantoor

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